Palm trees planned for Minnesota communities

Wikipedia: "April Fools' Day is celebrated every year on April 1 by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes. People playing April Fool jokes expose their prank by shouting April Fool. Some newspapers, magazines, and other published media report fake stories, which are usually explained the next day or below the news section in small letters. Although popular since the 19th century, the day is not a public holiday in any country." But we think it should be.

April 1, 2017

As our state’s climate heats up, many are noticing less snow, earlier springs, and more torrential rains.

Another difference you might notice in the coming years is Minnesota roadways lined with palm trees.

Many cities are busy taking the first step: starting palm seedlings in local greenhouses. “We have about 20,000 seedlings started, and they are so cute!” exclaims farmer Susan Andre. These seedlings, she says, should be ready for planting along the city’s boulevards by spring of next year.

Other cities across the state are also learning how to grow palm trees, most commonly the coconut palm. An official in Bemidji said that their city aims to be 90% forested by coconut palms by 2050.

Besides the benefits of sequestering carbon dioxide, supporting birds and other wildlife, and filtering water, coconut palm trees can supply food, oil, fiber for rope, wood for construction, souvenirs, firewood, and even medicine.

“Coconut water is one of our most popular drinks these days,” says Thomas Evans, stock manager at Mississippi Market in St. Paul. "And in a few years, we'll be able to source the product locally."

These initiatives aim to help cities adapt to climate change, as well as bolster tourism that would otherwise be lost to cities such as Miami and San Diego.

Growing and transplanting palm trees to reforest our neighborhoods and forests will be an economic boost for growers like Andre, but also a boon to our struggling ecosystems. “It’s a win-win for the our state’s environment and our economy,” states one highly placed state official.

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Fact: 16 of the top 17 hottest years on record have occurred since the year 2000, with large rain events becoming more frequent.